Facing strong resistance from industry groups and business leaders, the Congress-led Karnataka government deferred a bill on Wednesday that would enforce job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector. The proposal gained prominence when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on social media that all Group C and D positions in private enterprises across the state would be reserved entirely for Kannadigas. The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, received Cabinet approval on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister’s Office released a statement on Wednesday stating, “The Cabinet-approved bill to reserve positions for Kannadigas in the private sector has been temporarily suspended. The matter will be reconsidered and a decision will be made in the forthcoming days.” According to the bill, “Industries, factories, and other establishments must employ fifty percent of local candidates in managerial roles and seventy percent in non-managerial roles.”

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